The phrase "were erect" is spelled using the IPA phonetic transcription as /wɜr ɪˈrɛkt/. The first syllable "wer" is pronounced with an open-mid central unrounded vowel, similar to the sound in "her." The second syllable, "e-rect," is pronounced with the vowel sound similar to "bet," followed by a velar fricative "k" sound and ending with a voiceless alveolar plosive "t" sound. This phrase is commonly used to describe the physical stance of someone or something standing upright.
"Were erect" is a phrase used to describe a past state or condition of being upright or standing in a firm and vertical position. The verb "were" is the past tense of the auxiliary verb "to be," indicating a specific time in the past, while "erect" functions as an adjective meaning upright or standing straight.
The phrase implies that something or someone had the vertical posture or positioning associated with an erect stance. It typically refers to physical bodies or objects, but it can also be metaphorically applied to describe an individual's or a group's posture, attitude, or state of readiness.
For instance, in a botanical context, "were erect" might describe the straight positioning of plant stems or tree trunks. In a human context, the phrase could refer to the stance of individuals who were standing with their bodies upright and straight. Additionally, the phrase might be employed metaphorically to depict an assembly of soldiers who were standing tall and alert, exhibiting readiness or discipline.
Overall, "were erect" essentially denotes a past state of being in a vertical, upright position, whether physically or metaphorically.
The phrase "were erect" is not a standalone word with a specific etymology. "Were" is the second-person singular and plural form of the verb "be" in the past tense. It is derived from the Old English word "wǣron", which evolved into Middle English "were". On the other hand, "erect" is an adjective that comes from the Latin word "erectus", the past participle of "erigere", meaning "to raise" or "to set upright". The combination "were erect" would generally be used in a sentence to describe something that was in an upright or vertical position in the past.